The Haliti-Paresi people, who call themselves “Haliti” (meaning “people”), have inhabited the region between the Amazon and Paraguay river basins in present-day Mato Grosso, Brazil, since time immemorial. The first recorded contact with non-Indigenous people dates back to the late 17th century, intensifying over time and significantly impacting their culture and way of life. In the 19th century, the Paresi were involved in the rubber boom, providing labour, and in the early 20th century, they established contact with Marshal Rondon during the installation of the telegraph line in the region. The establishment of the Utiariti Mission in 1930 marked another significant point of contact, bringing profound socio-cultural transformations. Today, the Haliti-Paresi strive to preserve and revitalise their customs and traditions, facing the challenges imposed by their history of contact with non-Indigenous people.
The Haliti-Paresi culture is rich and diverse, expressed through rituals, dances, songs, body paintings, and traditional clothing. Rituals play a fundamental role in social life, guiding activities such as farming, hunting, and fishing. Music is an essential part of these rituals, contributing to the well-being and continuity of the people. The preservation of good relationships through rites and traditional practices has always marked the Paresi tradition.
The Haliti-Paresi traditions are kept alive through practices such as the consumption of olóniti, an alcoholic beverage made from toasted cassava starch, during the “chicha festivals.” These celebrations feature dances and songs that narrate the people’s myths. The main agricultural crop is bitter cassava, and fishing, hunting, and gathering are also practiced. The Paresi domesticated bees even before contact with non-Indigenous people, using pots with two holes to raise bees and collect honey. Today, they raise dogs, chickens, pigs, and ducks.
The social organisation of the Haliti-Paresi is based on a community structure, with traditional leaders such as chiefs playing central roles. The villages are distributed across nine Indigenous areas in the state of Mato Grosso, seven of which are officially recognised, including Rio Formoso, Estação Parecis, and Utiariti.
The Haliti-Paresi economy combines traditional practices with modern initiatives. In addition to subsistence agriculture, hunting, and fishing, the people have invested in ethnotourism as a means of generating income and cultural appreciation. The Wazare Village, for example, has received approval from Funai to conduct community-based tourism, promoting traditional culture and contributing to the financial autonomy of the Indigenous people.
The spirituality of the Haliti-Paresi is intrinsically linked to nature and traditional rituals. Rituals are fundamental for maintaining good relationships and the well-being of the community. Music plays a central role in these rituals, guiding social life and daily activities.
The traditional Indigenous medicine of the Haliti-Paresi is an intangible heritage that combines healing, spiritual, and preventive practices. It is based on the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, using medicinal plants, spiritual rituals, and knowledge passed down orally through generations. These practices not only promote the healing of illnesses but also reinforce cultural identity and the relationship with the environment.
The Haliti-Paresi have stood out in their constant pursuit of sustainability and ethnodevelopment. The ethnic group fights to preserve its culture and lands, facing challenges such as the invasion of territories and the need for recognition of their rights. The implementation of community-based tourism projects, such as in the Wazare Village, is a strategy to strengthen Indigenous tradition and ensure financial autonomy.
To visit the Haliti-Paresi villages, especially the Wazare Village in the Utiariti Indigenous Land, international travellers should fly to Cuiabá, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. From Cuiabá, it is possible to travel by land to the municipality of Campo Novo do Parecis, where the village is located. It is recommended to contact local leaders or organisations such as Funai in advance to obtain updated information on visits and requirements.
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